Topical Bible: Military Arms: Hung of the Walls of Cities

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In ancient biblical times, the display of military arms on the walls of cities served as both a practical and symbolic gesture. This practice is mentioned in the context of various biblical narratives, reflecting the customs and military strategies of the era.

The hanging of arms on city walls was primarily a demonstration of power and victory. It was a way for a city to showcase its military prowess and to intimidate potential aggressors. The display of captured weapons and armor signified triumph over enemies and served as a warning to others who might consider attacking. This practice is indicative of the broader ancient Near Eastern customs, where the spoils of war were publicly exhibited to celebrate victories and to honor the gods believed to have granted success in battle.

One of the notable references to this practice is found in the account of King David's conquest of the Ammonite city of Rabbah. After capturing the city, David took the crown from the head of their king and "brought out the people who were there and put them to work with saws, iron picks, and axes, and made them work at the brick kilns" (2 Samuel 12:31). While the text does not explicitly mention the hanging of arms, the subjugation and display of power are evident in the narrative.

The hanging of arms also served a defensive purpose. By displaying weapons on the walls, a city could project an image of readiness and strength, deterring potential invaders. The sight of numerous weapons could create the illusion of a well-armed and prepared defense force, even if the actual number of soldiers was limited.

In the prophetic literature, the imagery of weapons and military might is often used metaphorically to convey messages of divine judgment or deliverance. For instance, in Ezekiel 27:10-11, the prophet describes the city of Tyre, noting that "Men of Persia, Lud, and Put served as soldiers in your army; they hung their shields and helmets on you, bestowing splendor on you" . This passage highlights the role of military arms in enhancing the city's glory and reputation.

The practice of hanging military arms on city walls underscores the importance of military strength in the ancient world. It reflects the values and priorities of societies that relied heavily on warfare for survival and expansion. The biblical references to this practice provide insight into the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative, illustrating the interplay between military power and divine providence as understood by the biblical authors.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 27:10,11
They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in your army, your men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in you; they set forth your comeliness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Habakkuk-On his Watch-Tower
... live by his faith." And he had the tables hung up on ... well as he who ran to take up
arms against the ... Immense towers were built also by the military engineers of ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/ix habakkuk-on his watch-tower.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... set at nought all the efforts and all the military science of ... bracelets, earrings,
and necklaces, while from their arms, necks, and belts hung long strings ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Burning of Athens.
... The military force of the city and a small number of ... of some Grecian state or
king"which were hung in an ... These arms were found, on the day when the Persians ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter x the burning of.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... without individual energy and destitute of military genius, so ... Below, in the transverse
arms of the cross, is ... Immense festoons of drapery hung from the wooden ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... in relating how the Philistines hung up Saul's ... in the Xth century BC The Philistine
arms are described ... Egyptians, who were unrivalled in military operations at ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Imperial Tombs.
... with Livia he passed away in her arms, saying, "Livia ... considering the defective
organization of the military medical staff ... There it was hung by the feet to a ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm

The Bible
... cohorts, every man in the nation capable of bearing arms or in any wise doing military
duty is ... is perfect in itself, having the key of each book hung up at ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... An upper yard curved in shape hung from the ... fervour would not, doubtless, have
restrained military zeal in ... bravery, it discouraged the taste for arms and for ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... formed by the remains of its walls is still ... Budilu carried his arms against these
tribes, and obtained ... Assyrian term used to designate the military confines or ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor ... all offensive action, and
waited under arms to see ... a light railing surrounding it were hung the circular ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm